(Washington) American actor Burt Young, known for having played the hero’s friend in the saga Rockyhas died, Sylvester Stallone announced Wednesday on social networks.
“To my dear friend Burt Young, you were an incredible man and artist, I will miss you very much. Rest in peace,” the star reacted on Instagram.
Burt Young, nominated for an Oscar in 1977 for his portrayal of Paulie Pennino, brother-in-law and friend of boxer Rocky in the films of the same name, died at age 83 on October 8 in Los Angeles, his daughter Anne Morea Steingieser confirmed to New York Times.
Born in 1940 in New York, Gerald Tommaso De Louise, his real name, was a member of the Marine Corps and a professional boxer before leaving for Hollywood.
He had a prolific film career, often playing tough guys in thrillers such as Chinatown by Roman Polanski (1974), The high roller by Karel Reisz (1974), or even Once upon a time in America by Sergio Leone (1984).
Burt Young appeared in all the films in the saga Rockybut not in the Creed spin-offs.
He was “a beautiful and talented soul,” American actor Carl Weathers, who plays Apollo Creed, Rocky’s adversary or partner in the films, said on X (formerly Twitter).
“He was an integral part of the Rocky family […] Paulie will always be with us,” he continued.